29-2071.00 - Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

Updated 2017

Details Report for:
29-2071.00 - Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the health care system. Process, maintain, compile, and report patient information for health requirements and standards in a manner consistent with the healthcare industry's numerical coding system.

Sample of reported job titles: Coder, Health Information Clerk, Health Information Specialist, Health Information Technician (Health Information Tech), Medical Records Analyst, Medical Records Clerk, Medical Records Coordinator, Medical Records Director, Medical Records Technician (Medical Records Tech), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

View report: Summary Details Custom

Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance	Category	Task
96	Core	Protect the security of medical records to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.
91	Core	Review records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with regulations.
85	Core	Retrieve patient medical records for physicians, technicians, or other medical personnel.
97	Supplemental	Assign the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), using appropriate computer software.
89	Supplemental	Process patient admission or discharge documents.
88	Supplemental	Transcribe medical reports.
88	Supplemental	Resolve or clarify codes or diagnoses with conflicting, missing, or unclear information by consulting with doctors or others or by participating in the coding team's regular meetings.
88	Supplemental	Enter data, such as demographic characteristics, history and extent of disease, diagnostic procedures, or treatment into computer.
87	Supplemental	Identify, compile, abstract, and code patient data, using standard classification systems.
85	Supplemental	Release information to persons or agencies according to regulations.
84	Supplemental	Plan, develop, maintain, or operate a variety of health record indexes or storage and retrieval systems to collect, classify, store, or analyze information.
83	Supplemental	Prepare statistical reports, narrative reports, or graphic presentations of information, such as tumor registry data for use by hospital staff, researchers, or other users.
82	Supplemental	Post medical insurance billings.
80	Supplemental	Compile and maintain patients' medical records to document condition and treatment and to provide data for research or cost control and care improvement efforts.
77	Supplemental	Manage the department or supervise clerical workers, directing or controlling activities of personnel in the medical records department.
75	Supplemental	Compile medical care and census data for statistical reports on diseases treated, surgery performed, or use of hospital beds.
75	Supplemental	Train medical records staff.
75	Supplemental	Process and prepare business or government forms.
73	Supplemental	Consult classification manuals to locate information about disease processes.
57	Supplemental	Develop in-service educational materials.

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Technology Skills Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Accounting software — Billing software; NDCMedisoft; QMSoftware Receivables Management; Siemens Soarian Financials
Analytical or scientific software — Minitab ; SAS ; SPSS ; StataCorp Stata
Calendar and scheduling software — MD Synergy Medical Appointment Scheduling; Scheduling software; Siemens Soarian Scheduling
Categorization or classification software — 3M Encoder; American Medical Association CodeManager; Computerized indexing systems; DRG grouping software
Data base reporting software — Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services ; SAP Crystal Reports ; SoftMed ChartRelease
Data base user interface and query software — Data entry software ; Fox Meadows ChartingPlus; Microsoft Access ; Purkinje Dossier (see all 7 examples)
Document management software — Fox Meadows Accent Data Manager; Hyland Software OnBase; SoftMed ChartLocater; SoftMed ChartReserve (see all 6 examples)
Electronic mail software — Email software; Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software — SAP Business Objects
Expert system software — Information Resource Products Clinical Coding Expert
Graphics or photo imaging software — Graphics software; Microsoft Visio
Information retrieval or search software — Coding database software
Internet browser software — Web browser software
Medical software — Epic Systems ; Medical condition coding software ; Medical procedure coding software ; MEDITECH software (see all 39 examples)
Office suite software — Corel WordPerfect; Microsoft Office
Optical character reader OCR or scanning software — Scantron imaging software
Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software — IBM Lotus 1-2-3; Microsoft Excel
Transaction security and virus protection software — Encoder software
Voice recognition software — Cyber Records MediChart Express; ScanSoft Naturally Speaking; Speech recognition software; Voice dictation software
Word processing software — Microsoft Word

Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

Tools Used Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Bar code reader equipment — Barcode scanners
Compact disc CD or labeling printers — Label printers
Desktop calculator — 10-key calculators
Desktop computers
Dictation machines — Dictaphones
Encoder decoder equipment — Encoders
Laser fax machine — Laser facsimile machines
Laser printers
Light stylus — Light pens
Magnetic stripe readers and encoders — Credit card processing machines
Medical charting systems components or accessories — Barcode attachment equipment
Microfiche or microfilm viewer components or accessories — Microfiche viewing machines; Microfilm viewing machines
Notebook computers
Optical character recognition systems — Optical readers and writers
Paper shredding machines or accessories — Paper shredders
Personal computers
Postal scales
Premise branch exchange PBX systems — Switchboards
Scanners — Flat-top scanners
Special purpose telephones — Multi-line telephone systems
Tablet computers
Touch screen monitors
Typewriters

Knowledge Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Knowledge
80		Clerical — Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
69		English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
54		Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
50		Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
44		Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
43		Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
36		Medicine and Dentistry — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
33		Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
33		Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
30		Communications and Media — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
29		Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
28		Telecommunications — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
22		Personnel and Human Resources — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
19		Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
18		Foreign Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
15		Psychology — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
15		Therapy and Counseling — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
14		Economics and Accounting — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
11		Transportation — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
10		Sociology and Anthropology — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
9		Chemistry — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
9		Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
9		Philosophy and Theology — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
9		Sales and Marketing — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
7		Biology — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
7		Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
7		Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
5		Building and Construction — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
5		Geography — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
5		Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
4		Food Production — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
3		Fine Arts — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
3		History and Archeology — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Skills Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Skill
60		Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
50		Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
50		Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
50		Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
50		Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
47		Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
47		Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
47		Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
44		Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
44		Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
41		Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
38		Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
38		Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
35		Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
35		Management of Personnel Resources — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
28		Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
28		Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
25		Negotiation — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
25		Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
25		Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
22		Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
19		Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
19		Operations Analysis — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
19		Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
19		Technology Design — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
10		Programming — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
6		Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
6		Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
3		Management of Material Resources — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
3		Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
0		Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
0		Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
0		Installation — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
0		Management of Financial Resources — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
0		Repairing — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Abilities Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Ability
72		Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
66		Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
63		Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
60		Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
53		Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
53		Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
53		Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
53		Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
50		Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
47		Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
47		Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
47		Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
47		Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
47		Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
41		Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
41		Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
38		Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
35		Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
35		Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
31		Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.
31		Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
28		Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
28		Memorization — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
28		Time Sharing — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
25		Auditory Attention — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
25		Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
25		Speed of Closure — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
22		Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
22		Stamina — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
22		Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
22		Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
19		Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
19		Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
16		Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
16		Hearing Sensitivity — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
13		Dynamic Strength — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
13		Gross Body Coordination — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
13		Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
10		Wrist-Finger Speed — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
6		Speed of Limb Movement — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
3		Gross Body Equilibrium — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
0		Depth Perception — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
0		Dynamic Flexibility — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
0		Explosive Strength — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
0		Glare Sensitivity — The ability to see objects in the presence of glare or bright lighting.
0		Night Vision — The ability to see under low light conditions.
0		Peripheral Vision — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
0		Rate Control — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
0		Reaction Time — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
0		Response Orientation — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
0		Sound Localization — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
0		Spatial Orientation — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

Work Activities Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Work Activity
88		Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
85		Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
84		Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
84		Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
82		Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
80		Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
78		Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
75		Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
66		Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
64		Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
61		Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
61		Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
57		Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
56		Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
54		Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
47		Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
46		Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
43		Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
41		Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
38		Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
37		Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
35		Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
35		Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
34		Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
33		Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
32		Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
32		Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
31		Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
30		Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
29		Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
26		Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
25		Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
15		Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
15		Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
14		Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
11		Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
9		Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
7		Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
7		Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
6		Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
2		Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Detailed Work Activities Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Monitor medical facility activities to ensure adherence to standards or regulations.
Process healthcare paperwork.
Perform clerical work in medical settings.
Enter patient or treatment data into computers.
Maintain medical facility records.
Present medical research reports.
Process medical billing information.
Record patient medical histories.
Manage healthcare operations.
Supervise medical support personnel.
Prepare official health documents or records.
Train caregivers or other non-medical personnel.
Maintain medical or professional knowledge.
Prepare healthcare training materials.

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Work Context Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Work Context

Percentage of Top Responses

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?


74	Extremely important
23	Very important

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?


78	Extremely important
17	Important

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?


86	Every day
14	Never

Spend Time Sitting — How much does this job require sitting?


66	Continually or almost continually
11	More than half the time
17	About half the time

Face-to-Face Discussions — How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?


60	Every day
24	Once a week or more but not every day

Telephone — How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?


65	Every day
17	Once a week or more but not every day

Work With Work Group or Team — How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?


43	Extremely important
41	Very important

Contact With Others — How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?


33	Constant contact with others
42	Contact with others most of the time
15	Contact with others about half the time

Electronic Mail — How often do you use electronic mail in this job?


67	Every day
23	Never

Structured versus Unstructured Work — To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?


26	A lot of freedom
53	Some freedom
15	Limited freedom

Freedom to Make Decisions — How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?


29	A lot of freedom
44	Some freedom
17	Limited freedom

Time Pressure — How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?


40	Every day
25	Once a week or more but not every day
23	Once a month or more but not every week

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — How much does this job require making repetitive motions?


39	Continually or almost continually
27	More than half the time
16	About half the time
13	Less than half the time

Frequency of Decision Making — How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?


56	Every day
21	Never

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?


21	Very important results
37	Important results
19	Moderate results
19	Minor results

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?


36	Every day
13	Once a week or more but not every day
17	Once a year or more but not every month
25	Never

Coordinate or Lead Others — How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?


13	Extremely important
24	Very important
42	Important
18	Not important at all

Deal With External Customers — How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?


25	Extremely important
18	Very important
23	Important
12	Fairly important
22	Not important at all

Letters and Memos — How often does the job require written letters and memos?


23	Every day
29	Once a week or more but not every day
11	Once a month or more but not every week
31	Never

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?


38	Continually or almost continually
11	About half the time
36	Never

Physical Proximity — To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?


13	Moderately close (at arm's length)
56	Slightly close (e.g., shared office)
17	I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)

Duration of Typical Work Week — Number of hours typically worked in one week.


11	More than 40 hours
66	40 hours
23	Less than 40 hours

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?


33	High responsibility
19	Moderate responsibility
29	Limited responsibility
16	No responsibility

Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?


23	Once a week or more but not every day
15	Once a month or more but not every week
31	Once a year or more but not every month
23	Never

Degree of Automation — How automated is the job?


14	Highly automated
31	Moderately automated
28	Slightly automated
19	Not at all automated

Frequency of Conflict Situations — How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?


19	Once a week or more but not every day
16	Once a month or more but not every week
34	Once a year or more but not every month
30	Never

Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body — How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?


69	Less than half the time
14	Never

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?


15	Moderate responsibility
45	Limited responsibility
28	No responsibility

Spend Time Walking and Running — How much does this job require walking and running?


11	About half the time
53	Less than half the time
26	Never

Exposed to Disease or Infections — How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?


14	Every day
24	Once a year or more but not every month
57	Never

Consequence of Error — How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?


33	Fairly serious
46	Not serious at all

Spend Time Standing — How much does this job require standing?


12	About half the time
48	Less than half the time
35	Never

Exposed to Contaminants — How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?


13	Every day
13	Once a year or more but not every month
68	Never

Level of Competition — To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?


35	Moderately competitive
60	Not at all competitive

Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?


15	Once a year or more but not every month
67	Never

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings — How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?


75	Never

Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting — How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?


11	Every day
88	Never

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)


84	Not important at all

Public Speaking — How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job?


25	Once a year or more but not every month
68	Never

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?


89	Never

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling — How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?


28	Less than half the time
70	Never

Deal With Physically Aggressive People — How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?


12	Once a year or more but not every month
80	Never

Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?


92	Never

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?


89	Never

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?


91	Never

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles — How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, or poles?


94	Never

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance — How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?


93	Never

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?


100	Never

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?


99	Never

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration — How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (e.g., operate a jackhammer)?


98	Never

Exposed to High Places — How often does this job require exposure to high places?


100	Never

Exposed to Radiation — How often does this job require exposure to radiation?


99	Never

In an Open Vehicle or Equipment — How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or equipment (e.g., tractor)?


100	Never

Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?


100	Never

Outdoors, Under Cover — How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (e.g., structure with roof but no walls)?


100	Never

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection — How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?


100	Never

Work Schedules — How regular are the work schedules for this job?


100	Regular (established routine, set schedule)

Job Zone Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Title	Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education	Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Related Experience	Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job Training	Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples	These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include food service managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, nannies, and medical assistants.
SVP Range	(6.0 to < 7.0)

Education

Percentage of Respondents	Education Level Required
48	High school diploma or equivalent
21	Some college, no degree
20	Associate's degree

Credentials

Interests Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Occupational Interest		Interest
100		Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
45		Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
22		Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
17		Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
0		Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
0		Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Work Styles Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Work Style
89		Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
88		Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
87		Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
84		Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
81		Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
80		Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
78		Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
77		Self Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
73		Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
72		Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
72		Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
72		Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
71		Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
70		Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
69		Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
62		Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Work Values Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Extent		Work Value
72		Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
61		Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
45		Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
36		Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
33		Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
33		Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Related Occupations Save Table (XLS/CSV)

43-2011.00	Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
43-3071.00	Tellers
43-4031.01	Court Clerks
43-4031.03	License Clerks
43-4051.00	Customer Service Representatives Green
43-4081.00	Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks
43-4111.00	Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan
43-4171.00	Receptionists and Information Clerks Bright Outlook
43-6013.00	Medical Secretaries
43-9061.00	Office Clerks, General

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2016)	$18.29 hourly, $38,040 annual
State wages

Employment (2014)	189,000 employees
Projected growth (2014-2024)	Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Projected job openings (2014-2024)	71,200
State trends

Top industries (2014)	Health Care and Social Assistance (77% employed in this sector) (see all industries)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2016 wage data and 2014-2024 employment projections . "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2014-2024). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Job Openings on the Web

Sources of Additional Information

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

Medical records and health information technicians . Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition.
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) , 233 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2150, Chicago, IL 60601-5800. Phone: (312) 233-1100. Fax: (312) 233-1090.

Details Report for: 29-2071.00 - Medical Records and Health Information Technicians